Speech Communication ~~ Reedley College ~~ Spring 2009
Speech 2 Interpersonal Communication
Instructor:  Linda Carvalho Cooley 

Office Phone: 638-3641 ext 3126                                    Office: Annex 5

E-mail: Linda.Cooley@reedleycollege.edu       Web Page: www.speechideas.net

Check webpage for current office hours

*** Required Materials: Textbook and Scan Tron forms
Adler, R. B. Rosenfeld, L.B. & Proctor II R.F. (2005). Interplay (10^th ed.).  New York, NY. Oxford University Press.
Three scan-tron forms (882)

Course Description

Interpersonal communication is designed to increase understanding and implementation of effective interpersonal communication behaviors and skills. Throughout the semester the course will examine basic verbal and nonverbal elements effecting communication between individuals in family, peer groups and work contexts. This course requires participation in activities designed to develop interpersonal communication skills. Interpersonal communication introduces students to the complex interaction of social and psychological forces operating in human communication. The course is designed with a dual approach consisting of both theory and application that allows students opportunities to critically evaluate the intricacies of interpersonal relationships and the communication issues surrounding human interaction in various contexts.

Specific Objectives

1. To understand the theories and principles of interpersonal communication.
2. To employ and understand better listening skills.
3. To become aware of one’s communication behavior and to recognize where improvement is needed.
4. To improve interpersonal relations and conflict-management strategies through self introspection and an analysis of communication techniques.
5. To become more successful in communication with others, developed through analysis of personal communication situations and make appropriate choices.
6. To develop confidence in interacting on an interpersonal level.
7. To write an appropriate and effective academic term paper.
8. To emphasize the need for clear and concise organization of ideas.
9. To use supporting materials effectively.
10. To provide student with practical assignments and exercises that will reinforce the theoretical concepts studied in class.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

1.       Discuss how messages are transmitted from one person to another, how those messages can be distorted and how to reduce that distortion.

2.     Identify and apply principles of effective communication.

3.     Resolve interpersonal conflicts in non-destructive ways.

4.     Articulate a personal sense of ethics concerning communication.

5.     Listen to others effectively, attending to both factual and emotional information while providing appropriate feedback.

6.     Monitor their own communication and adapt to different communication situations.

7.     Communicate effectively within the context of various relationships including family, marriage, friendship and work relationships.

Classroom Deportment

 Each student is expected to respect the rights of the other students in the class and the instructor.  The exploration of controversial ideas is an essential component of this class. Students who do not behave in a respectful manner will be asked to drop the class.  When presentations are in progress students arriving late are to stay outside until the presentation is complete. Interrupting a presentation for any reason other than a severe emergency is inconsiderate and will not be tolerated. Cell phones, and pagers should be turned off before coming to class.

 Student Rights

So that students are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities they are encouraged to become familiar with the “Campus Policies” section of the Schedule of Courses.  This material includes information regarding cheating and plagiarism, disruptive classroom behavior, and other instructional issues. Students with disabilities should identify themselves so that appropriate accommodations can be made.  

Assignments   

The following numerical guidelines will be used in the assignment of final grades.

900-1000   =    A
800-899     =    B
700-799     =    C
600-699     =    D
599- 0        =    F

Attendance

 Due to the nature of this course, attendance is important. Roll will be taken at each class session.  Speeches, audience evaluations and participation grades will be drastically affected by absences. Understanding that perfect attendance can only happen in a utopian world each student is allowed 3 unexcused absences. I suggest you use it well. On the 4th absence your participation points will be depleted. Arriving late to class and leaving early are unacceptable and will result in a reduction of participation points. Four tardies or early departures are equivalent to one absence. Excused absences are verifiable, documented and only occur under unavoidable circumstances. Please note that all excused absences MUST have verifiable documentation by a reputable source. (This does NOT include your parents!)  Students with five or more unexcused absences will not be allowed to submit any extra credit assignments.

All documentation must be submitted to the instructor NO later than one week following the absence.

Please note that work schedules, lost keys or vacations are not excused absences. If however you know in advance that you will be absence please inform the instructor so that accommodations can be made for speeches or quizzes prior to your absence. Also understand that notifying the instructor does not excuse the absence. 

Late and Missed Assignments

I will NOT accept any emailed or handwritten papers.
I have a very strict policy on late work.

ALL WORK IS DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CLASS –
DO NOT COME IN LATE AND ASSUME I WILL ACCEPT YOUR WORK.

Speeches: This class fulfills the oral component for general education requirements. I take this very seriously. Students who miss a speech will lose all participation points, will not be able to submit extra credit and in turn will not pass my class. Mathematically students who miss a speech would have a difficult time passing this course. Keep this in mind and do all three of the graded speeches.

Group Presentation: Group members absent on the day of presentations will receive a 0 unless some arrangement has been made with me in advance. The group however, must go on with out the absent member.  I do not allow any late speeches. If your group is unable to present on your assigned date your entire group will be given a 0 on that assignment. 

Participation Points: Since this class is interactive your participation is vital to the classroom environment. Each student is expected to attend class each day and be prepared to discuss ideas, share opinions relevant to interpersonal communication and participate in class activities. Please come to class prepared to engage the material. (In other words READ the assigned chapters prior to their lecture date on the syllabus).  Absences, late arrivals and leaving early, in addition to a lack of participation in class discussions and activities will adversely affect a student’s participation score. Participation points are strictly given on days with no speeches or quizzes. Please note that your participation points can be completely exhausted on the basis of attendance or if you miss any assignments. Any student who misses a presentation will forfeit ALL participation points. 

 Relationship Term Paper: In this paper a student will demonstrate their ability to research information, organize it and apply the research to a real life relationship. Papers must be typed and be in APA format style. Research papers must be SIX pages long and typed! (The six pages include: one cover page, four pages of text, and a reference page) I will not accept emailed papers and do not come to class with your disk complaining you were “UNABLE” to print the file. Plan ahead and be responsible for your work. Remember this is college not high school – all submitted papers MUST be typed and submitted at the beginning of class the date they are due.  

Additional Point Assignments

In addition to the assignments I will be offering limited extra credit assignments. They will be briefly announced in class and posted on the classroom web page. It is the student’s responsibility to look them up and turn them in by the deadline posted on the webpage. Extra credit assignments do not “take the place” of other work – extra credit will only be accepted from students who have submitted and attempted all assignments. Students with excessive absences will not be allowed to submit any extra credit. Students who miss a speech cannot submit any extra credit.

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This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor – it is the responsibility of the student to check on announcements made during any absence.

Calendar for Spring 2009

Finals

Finals for this session are held in the same classroom on the last day of class. One important rule for Finals – I will not allow anyone who is 20 minutes late to take the final unless there is a verifiable excused reason for the tardy. Please be aware of this and be on time.